Oklahoma EPA State Definitions

Classifications of Waste

“Regulated medical waste” means a waste or reusable material that contains an etiologic agent and is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals; research pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals; or the production or testing of biological products.

Contaminated carcasses, body parts and bedding of animals intentionally exposed to pathogens in research, in the production of biologicals or the “in vivo” testing of pharmaceuticals.

Items contaminated with blood or other human body fluids which drip freely or would release such materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed or are caked with dried blood or body fluids and are capable of releasing these materials.

Isolation wastes unless determined to be non-infectious by the infection control committee at the health care facility.

HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.

All disposable materials that have come in contact with cytotoxic or antineoplastic agents during the preparation, handling, and administration of such agents. Such wastes include, but are not limited to, masks, gloves, gowns, empty IV tubing and bags, vials, and other contaminated materials.

Any other material or equipment which, in the determination of the responsible party, presents a significant danger of infection because it is contaminated with, or may reasonably be expected to be contaminated with, etiologic agents.

Storage Requirements

Healthcare facilities are not subject to the storage requirements of Title 252 Chapter 515. However, OSHA storage requirements do apply to healthcare facilities (see OSHA regulations below). Regulated medical waste processing facilities must meet the following storage standards for RMW.

All waste must be processed or placed into refrigerated storage, at 45 degrees F, within 24 hours of delivery.

If processing has not occurred within 96 hours, waste shall be transported to an alternate permitted site.

Department of Health

Medical Association

Oklahoma Healthcare Environmental Resource Center

This site provides pollution prevention and compliance assistance information for the healthcare sector. It is intended to be a comprehensive resource, covering all the varieties of hospital wastes, and all the rules that apply to them, including both federal regulations and the specific rules that apply in your state.

Oklahoma Online Osha Compliance Program

We understand the importance of saving you money without sacrificing service. MediWaste Disposal will be your partner in your medical waste management program by being a low-cost provider of medical waste disposal and OSHA training services.